METAL TOYS AND AUTOMATA

As with most books of this type, this should not be regarded as providing an in-depth study of the subject. The main charm will come from the illustrations, and at a size which enables the beauty of the models to be fully appreciated.

After a chapter of introduction, the book deals with a selected range of subjects, namely automata (toys with automation to represent the movements of people or animals), metal toys, model railways, toy soldiers and diecast toys.

In each chapter, the text is sufficient to provide the basic information without going into great detail. Don't therefore expect to put down this book hoping to be an expert on the subjects covered. A work such as this hopefully will whet several appetites and lead to further collecting and/or reading. Shop here

TV CARS: STAR CARS FROM THE WORLD OF TELEVISION

This lively book takes a behind-the-scenes look at four-wheeled stars from the world of television. It covers classic programs of the past, such as The Avengers and Starsky and Hutch, recent series such as Mr. Bean and Only Fools and Horses, and current shows such as Life on Mars and The Apprentice, with a few surprises along the way.

Packed with facts, anecdotes and photographs of the cars and their star drivers from the nations favorite cop shows, dramas, sit-coms, sci-fi classics and documentaries, TV Cars is a great read for all car and TV buffs, and the perfect Christmas stocking filler. Shop here

ASTON MARTIN DB7: THE COMPLETE STORY

The car that would become the DB7 began its gestation in 1991. Developed entirely under the ownership of Ford, this new smaller Aston Martin was intended to add a new higher-volume strand to Aston Martin's range, and when the good-looking car was launched in 1993 it soon became obvious that this was sound policy. The straight-six-powered coupe was an instant hit and sold well. A cabriolet version followed soon afterwards, and in 1998 Project Vantage - a V12 version of the car was unveiled. In 2002 the range was joined by two special editions - the Vantage Zagato and the GT. When production of the DB7 family ended in 2003, giving way to the DB9, just over 7000 cars had been produced, making the DB7 the most numerous of all Astons. Written with the full cooperation of the factory, this is a book for every lover of this superb car. Shop here

FORD GT: THE LEGEND COMES TO LIFE

One of the most exciting new cars of 2004 is profiled in this beautiful book. The Ford GT is the modern version of the incredible GT40, a car created by Ford in the 1960s to beat the Ferraris at Le Mans—which they did! The success of the original GT40, coupled with its great looks, made it one of the most popular cars in automotive racing history. Ford has revived the spirit of the original race car with perhaps its most exciting new car in 30 years—the Ford GT. The new car has lines taken straight off the original GT40 and power supplied by a 500-hp V-8. Three Ford GTs will be built in 2003 to commemorate the 1-2-3 victory at Le Mans in 1966, and the car will see limited regular production beginning in June 2004.

This book includes an in-depth analysis of how the car came to be, complete with original interviews with Ford execs and engineers as well as drawings of concept cars. Also included is a short chapter summing up the origins and race history of the GT40. Also a section discussing the concepts for GT40 revivals. Many of these cars have not been revealed in publications previously. Shop here

JAGUAR: MARKETING THE MARQUE

With over 80 years of continuous production and a wealth of models made during that time, Jaguar and its advertising agencies have produced a vast and varied range of promotional literature. This handsome volume brings together a variety of this fascinating material, which tells not only the story of the company and its cars but also social history throughout the period. This book will be a fine addition to the bookshelves of Jaguar enthusiasts everywhere. Shop here

CAR OF THE STARS; DUESENBERG SSJ

The SSJ's diecast body is clean, smooth, and very well detailed. The two-tone black and cream paint is equally fine, with razor-sharp separation lines, but neither car was ever painted in these colours. Overall body lines and proporations are exactly right, but Altaya has managed to combine the un-reflexed fenders of 2549 with the vertical taillights of 2595. There are no chromed parts; all the trim, including the bumpers and grille, is painted silver, obviously to hold the cost down. Dimensions check out to 1:43 scale very well. Shop here

SOLIDO 1/18 ASTON MARTIN DBR9 V12 LE MANS 2005

The Aston Martin DBR9 won the Sebring 12 Hours LMGT1 category in 2005, but came third in Le Mans 24 Hour LMGT1 category, behind arch-rivals Corvette Racing. In 2006, the DBR9 was less successful, finishing second behind the Corvette at both Sebring and Le Mans. Despite not winning Sebring and Le Mans, Aston Martin Racing regularly challenged Corvette Racing for victory in the American Le Mans Series, with victories at the New England Grand Prix, Grand Prix of Utah, Grand Prix of Mosport, Petit Le Mans, and Monterey Sports Car Championships. Aston Martin capped their 2006 ALMS season by finishing second in the GT1 Manufacturer's Championship, earning the factory team an automatic entry to the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans. Shop here